In Memory of Anton Johann Stellwag

July 8, 1928–August 9, 2026

Anton J. (Tony) Stellwag, 98, passed away suddenly after an accident in Hampton, Virginia, on August 9, 2026. He was born in Eichelburg, Germany, on July 8, 1928, and grew up in nearby Roth. Anton began his working life as a machinist’s apprentice amidst the challenges of wartime Germany. He was later drafted into the German Army during World War II. Following the war, Anton returned to Roth, where he married Dora Stellwag in 1950. They immigrated to the United States and took up residence in Hampton in 1953.

After immigrating, Anton was a committed machinist at Modern Machine & Tool in Newport News for more than 40 years. A man dedicated to the community, he was a founding member and longtime president of the Tidewater German-American Society, taught exercise classes at the Hampton Community Center for two decades, and sang with the Immaculate Conception church choir for many years. Outside of those commitments, he deeply enjoyed walking, and he took long walks every day until his last. Other favorite pastimes of his included swimming and dancing, and he had great pride in the garden and land he tended. A natural storyteller, he never missed an opportunity to share stories and advice from his long life.

Anton is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Dora Stellwag, and his father and mother. He is survived by his three children, three grandsons and two granddaughters, and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister. A memorial service to celebrate Anton’s exceptional life will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hampton at 10am on Friday, September 4.

Anton always wanted scientists to accelerate research to improve lives. His hearing loss was particularly difficult for him, and new technologies and therapies are emerging rapidly. For this reason the family asks for donations in his name to Hearing Health Foundation, the largest private funder of hearing and balance science in the U.S. HHF is grateful to the Stellwag family for their support.

All donors are recognized and acknowledged in our Annual Report. HHF's responsible and effective donor stewardship practices earn top marks from all the major charity watchdogs including Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, and GuideStar.